Raising a Maltese dog at home is a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires a commitment to daily care, especially regarding fur, hygiene, and health, as well as providing a loving and stimulating environment.
Breeding Maltese dog at home
The Maltese dog is a beloved breed and very suitable for home care, due to its beautiful appearance, small size, and friendly and intelligent personality. However, raising it requires special care and attention to ensure its health and happiness. Here is detailed information about raising a Maltese dog at home:
Fur Care and Grooming:
Daily Brushing: The Maltese dog is known for its long, silky, white fur that grows continuously and tangles easily. Therefore, it must be brushed daily using a soft brush and comb to prevent tangles and knots from getting on the dog's skin. If the fur is not groomed regularly, it can lead to skin infections.
Bathing: The Maltese dog needs to be bathed regularly (every few weeks or as needed) using a shampoo and conditioner specifically for dogs, preferably one formulated for white fur, to maintain its shine.
Nail Trimming: Its nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. Ear Cleaning: The ears should be checked weekly and cleaned with a cotton ball soaked in a special dog ear cleaning solution to prevent wax buildup and infection.
Teeth Cleaning: Maltese dogs are prone to dental problems, so their teeth should be cleaned regularly (daily or several times a week) using a dog-specific toothpaste and a suitable toothbrush. Regular dental checkups by your veterinarian are also recommended.
Cleaning Around the Eyes: Some Maltese dogs suffer from tear staining around the eyes due to tear secretions. This can be reduced by regularly cleaning the area with a soft cloth dampened with warm water or with specialized products. It is preferable to use stainless steel food and water bowls instead of plastic to prevent discoloration of the fur around the mouth and eyes.
Feeding:
High-quality food: Provide high-quality dog food appropriate for the dog's age, size, and health needs.
Appropriate quantities: Determine food quantities based on the dog's age and physical activity to avoid obesity. Regular Meals: It is preferable to divide meals throughout the day. Maltese puppies may need 3-4 small meals, while adult dogs can be fed two meals a day.
Avoid Human Food: Do not feed your dog raw meat or any human food that may be harmful to it.
Training and Exercise:
Ease of Training: Maltese dogs are intelligent and respond quickly to training.
Pooting: This requires patience and consistency. Fixed areas should be designated for toileting and the dog should be rewarded immediately after successful use. A training crate can be used as a support tool.
Obedience Training: Use positive reinforcement (rewards and praise) to teach your dog basic commands. Avoid physical punishment, as this can cause fear and aggression.
Daily Exercise: Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are energetic and active. They need 20-30 minutes of daily exercise, such as short walks or indoor play.
Health and Veterinary Care:
Regular Checkups: Regular checkups with your veterinarian are necessary to ensure your dog's health and detect any health problems early. Vaccinations and Prevention: Adhere to a schedule of preventive vaccinations and anti-parasite treatments.
Common Health Problems: Maltese dogs are prone to some health problems, such as dental problems, respiratory problems (due to their small nose and flat face), and patella problems (luxating patellas). Any abnormal symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, coughing, snoring, and constant tension) should be noted, and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
Environment and Behavior:
A Quiet Sleeping Area: The dog should be provided with a quiet, stable place to sleep, away from noise.
Sense of Security: Routine helps the dog feel secure and reduces stress.
Dislikes Loneliness: Maltese dogs are very social creatures and do not like to be left alone for long periods (more than 4 hours). This can lead to separation anxiety.
Adapting to Children: Some Maltese dogs may not adapt easily to small children if they are not properly trained and socialized.
Barking: The Maltese may bark excessively if not trained to stop this habit.
Socialization: The Maltese puppy should be accustomed to socializing with people, other animals, and different sounds from an early age to avoid fear and aggressive behavior in the future.
